Having a garden with a swimming pool is the dream of many homeowners. However, it is essential to pay the right attention to aspects related to the safety of this environment, especially if the pool will be close to your home and may be easily accessible to children and pets.
For those looking to safeguard the pool area, a swimming pool fence is a good installation to have on ground and there are ready-made options on the market. But what’s the best pool safety fence to buy?
In the article below, we’ve gone over our top picks for the best safety fence for your swimming pool.
What is a Pool Fence?
The basic principles of a pool fence are quite simple. These devices serve as a barrier to prevent people from accessing your pool without permission. In simple terms, it is a safety accessory that ensures that no child or pet can get to the pool area except allowed in by an adult through the gate.
How to Install Pool Safety Fence?
Installing the pool barrier is quite easy and can be done yourself. On the other hand, if you find that it will be tedious for you, call a professional.
- To start, simply draw the lines of the barrier making sure to mark the locations of the stakes.
- Also, plan the location of the gate.
- Drill the ground and place the stakes straight and vertically.
- Then place the panels and attach the sleeves. Finally, place the gate and the lock, so that the latter cannot be accessed by young children.
Top 3 Recommendations
Overall Best – Pool Fence 4 x 12-Feet DIY Fencing Section Kit by Life Saver
Runner Up – Pool Fence DIY Self-Closing Gate Kit by Life Saver
Best Quality – WaterWarden WWF200 Removable Outdoor Child Safety Fence
Pool Safety Fences: 10 Best Products
Below are the reviews of the 10 best pool safety fences on the market.
1. Pool Fence 4 x 12-Feet DIY Fencing Section Kit by Life Saver – Our Top Pick
The Life Saver Pool Fence is our overall best pool fence product. This pool fence is made with durable, high-quality materials and the mesh panels are attractive once installed.
The flexible fence design can be customized to fit any pool shape. Its height of 4 feet complies with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines.
The Life Saver Pool Fence creates a fence measuring 12 feet in length which is easily removable and reinstalled if required.
The pool fence is tension-based and features a smooth assembly locking system. It has a gate that can be purchased separately.
Pros
- Durable and high-quality mesh fencing
- Attractive appearance
- Easy DIY installation
- Flexible and customizable design for any pool shape
- Installable on any pool surface
- Meets US CPSC recommendations
Cons
- You will need to own, rent, buy or rent a rotary drill press
- Installation instructions can be difficult to follow
2. Pool Fence DIY Self-Closing Gate Kit by Life Saver – Runner Up
The automatic closing of the swimming pool fence allows you to secure your swimming pool to prevent children from gaining access without supervision.
Life Saver equips the mesh fence with a self-closing and self-locking gate that will make your pool even safer. The Life Saver Pool Fence works with firm, double truss posts, a very reliable magnetic lock, and self-closing hinges (designed specifically to secure your fence around your pool).
The fence is 4 feet high with a 2-foot clearance opening. One of the best features of the fence is it is powder coated and it has aluminum material which makes it last for a long time. The Life Saver Pool Fence also has an industrial-grade PVC coated Textilene nylon mesh.
Pros
- UV resistant mesh.
- Comes with a warranty
- Easy DIY installation
- Can be installed on soft and hard grounds
Cons
- Requires a hammer drill during installation.
3. WaterWarden WWF200 Removable Outdoor Child Safety Fence – Best Quality
Designed for inground pools, the WaterWarden pool fence will protect your swimming pool from unauthorized access. The fence is 12 feet long and has mesh panels that make it resistant to climbing.
Its height of 4 feet complies with US CPSC guidelines and it’s the best fence for those on a budget.
For added protection and ease of installation, the pool fence features reinforced stainless steel rod kits that fit into meshylene fabrics.
For added strength, the mesh panels have reinforced edges. The fence is stable and durable. It can be used in warmer and sunnier climates.
The WaterWarden fence can be easily removed by one person for storage when no longer needed. The fence kit includes all installation hardware, a measuring template, and instructions.
However, it does not include the tool to drill holes or the guide. You will also need to purchase a safety gate separately.
Pros
- The fence measures 12 feet long
- The height meets US CPSC recommendations
- Mesh panels with reinforced edges
- Included are meshylene fabric sleeves with post hole covers
- Easy to remove for storage
Cons
- Doesn’t come with the gate
4. Happybuy 4′ x 48′ Removable Swimming Pool Fence for Inground Pools
As this item is 4 feet high and made of durable material, you don’t need to worry about your dog or child tearing the fabric or jumping/climbing over.
Suitable for your swimming pool, patio, and garden, the fence is weatherproof, thanks to its 340gms Teslin grid fabric and the 1000D powder-coated aluminum foot tube. So it won’t be damaged by rain or sun exposure.
With the right tools and the correct dimensions, this pool fence is easy to install and shouldn’t take more than half an hour to install.
If you wish to remove the fence, it is also very easy to take it apart and put it away until you are ready to reassemble it.
Pros
- Easy to install and remove
- Solid and durable
- High-quality three stitch fabric
- Weatherproof and rust-resistant aluminum tubes
Cons
- Installing on a hard deck can be difficult
- Not for above ground pools
5. Life Saver DIY 72-Foot Pool Fence with Self-Closing Gate and Drill Guide Bundle
There is probably a no better alternative to protecting your children from unsupervised access to your pool than to install the DIY Pool Fence Sectional Kit by Life Saver.
The Life Saver Pool Fence has a major advantage that most fences don’t offer, installing it yourself. It comes as a single fence that is 72 feet long in a 12 feet section, 4 feet tall, and reinforced with built-in aluminum posts.
The Life Saver fence is supplied with deck sleeves and a safety lock. What also makes the barrier fence different from other Life Saver Pool Fence kits is that it has a self-closing gate so you don’t need to purchase that separately.
In addition, the product comes with a drill guide and all you need to do is purchase the drill and bits to use.
Pros
- Easy to install by anyone
- Reinforced with aluminum poles
- Easily secures your pool
- Drill guide makes installation a breeze
Cons
- You need drills and bits for installation
6. GLI 8 Section Above Ground Pool Fence Kit
The GLI above-ground pool fence is the best pool fence for those looking for safety. Measuring 24 inches in height, the fence posts are installed at a height above the edge of the pool, so it makes your facility unreachable without access through the gate.
Easy to install and maintenance-free, the fence can be built in a day or a weekend depending on your DIY installation skills as it comes with all hardware and instructions.
However, the above-ground pool fence is easy to maintain and has UV resistance. The sturdy fence has a rigid vinyl construction and the mounting brackets are built to last. They have rounded edges and are made to last.
Pros
- Designed for above ground pools
- Gets the pool to an ideal fence height
- All supplies, hardware, and instructions included
- Aesthetic in appearance
- Durable, maintenance-free, UV-protected vinyl construction
Cons
- It’s not removable
- Extra kit required to be purchased separately
7. Windscreen4less 4’x24′ Outdoor Pool Fencing Kit with Ground Spikes
The Windscreen4less swimming pool fencing kit is a pool safety pool fence for protecting the pool from kids, pets, poultry, and even rabbits. The fence is 24 feet long and 4 feet high and the sleeves are made from polyethylene.
Sold for a low price, the pool fencing kit comes with the fencing poles, fence fabric, ground spikes, ground stakes, and an installation manual.
What we liked about the Windscreen4less pool fencing kit is its long and sharp ground spikes. They make the fence stable and solid when installed.
Pros
- Long spikes and stakes make its installation stable
- Comes in 6 colors
- Relatively inexpensive
- The length is customizable
Cons
- The fabrics are quite flimsy
8. Windscreen4less 4’x16’ Outdoor Safety Mesh Fence for Inground Pools
A freestanding removable safety mesh pool, the Windscreen4less kit can be installed to fence a patio, garden, or swimming pool, whether on the grassy ground or hard pool deck.
The Windscreen4less Safety Pool Fence is an elegant dog and kid fence for pools. It helps to prevent children or pets from entering the pool area.
Sold in 16 feet segments, the item can be shortened or attached to additional fence segments to create a safe area around the pool.
The mesh fabric of the fence is durable and has a nice aesthetic look that will match almost any deck, patio, or other pool area.
Pros
- Easy installation procedure
- UV protected
- Installable on hard and soft grounds
- Easy to customize the length of the fence to match the pool
- Trendy color and design
Cons
- Does not include the gate
9. Giantex 4 x 12 Foot Removable In-Ground Pool Fencing Kit
Made of high quality and durable fabric, the Giantex pool fence is suitable for use outdoors, around inground pools, and in concrete places.
It is available in two sizes, 10cm x 30cm and 10cm x 122cm, and sold in 30cm sections that can be shortened or linked together to suit your needs.
Like most swimming pool fences, the Giantex pool fence is only available in 1 color, black, and does not include a gate.
Owners must purchase a gate individually and install it in the fence. In case you don’t want to buy a gate in addition to the fence, you can use part of the fence for a gate.
Pros
- Made from high-quality mesh fabric
- Easy to customize the fence to fit the pool
- Weather-resistant
- Comes in two different sleeve types
Cons
- Only for in-ground pools
10. Giantex In-Ground 4-Foot x 12-Foot Pool Fencing Kit
The Giantex pool fencing kit is a mesh barrier with two-size sleeves. The garden fence is removable and features a high-quality mesh fabric that is extremely durable. You can roll up the fence easily for storage or preservation.
The fence is perfect for the pool and the country yard. The swimming pool barrier has tubes made of light and resistant aluminum, the feet of stainless steel, and the premium fabric, which are what make the pool barrier durable and resistant.
The pool barrier provides pool safety without losing the aesthetic appeal of your pool. The sleeves are made from a fabric with a transparent veil effect, thus offering excellent visibility of your swimming pool.
Finally, installing it is as easy as taking it apart. Meanwhile, if you have a concrete deck, you’d need a hammer drill and strong bits.
Pros
- Durable aluminum tube
- Designed for easy storage, preservation, and transport
- Suitable for different uses
- Simple structure makes installation easier
Cons
- Drill sizes should be included with instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest pool fence?
A pool fence with 4 sides, aluminum or steel panels, durable mesh, and a self-closing gate like the Life Saver DIY 72-Foot Pool Fence is the safest pool fence. This type of pool fence will protect kids, pets, and other animals from gaining access to the pool.
How to fence a pool cheap?
While there are pool fences that are sold for around $300 to $1,000, there are cheap but quality pools like the Windscreen4less Safety Mesh Pool Fence and the WaterWarden WWF200 which are sold for less than $100. They are complete fence kits that allow for easy and cheap pool fencing.
Do you need a privacy fence around pool?
If you need a pool fence that also brings privacy to your pool, choose a privacy fence such as the Windscreen4less Outdoor Pool Fencing Kit. The mesh is dark and the pool area will not be visible from the outside.
How much do pool safety fences cost?
Pool fence cost is variable and ranges from around $100 to $1,000. It all depends on your needs, taste, and budget. The price of a pool fence includes the price of the barrier and accessories.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Pool Safety Fence
You need to know how to choose the pool fence that will suit your needs, and that’s what this guide is all about. Certain factors should be considered to make an excellent pool barrier. You need to make sure that the model you choose has all of these elements to keep the pool area as safe as possible.
Types of pool fences
Depending on their material of construction, we can classify pool fences as follows:
Glass fences
These types of fences are usually complemented with metal elements and are a very interesting solution from an aesthetic point of view. The glass used in this type of fence must have a special thickness to be resistant and comply with regulations. They are durable fences and do not need too much maintenance.
Wooden pool fences
Aesthetically, they are the best pool fences for mountain houses, rustic properties, or a garden with beautiful horticulture. Of course, although aesthetically they present great advantages, however, they require more maintenance than fences made of other materials.
Wooden pool fences tend to be easily damaged by the effect of the sun or humidity. In the long run, and taking into account the necessary maintenance work, they are economically more expensive fences.
Metal fences
They can be made of different materials such as steel, wrought iron, or aluminum. These are the most used materials for fence frames, posts, and tubes. As they are used outdoors, ensure they are coated with weather-resistant finishes to prevent rust, corrosion, and other elements.
To keep them perfect, they need different actions to take care of the enamel that covers the metal. They are widely used in community pools.
Strong and durable mesh
A key element of any good pool barrier is a strong and durable mesh. If you opt for a weak mesh, a child pushing on a fence may break it and even cause him or her to fall in the pool.
Polyester and vinyl mesh pool fences are good quality for pool fences. Both of these materials can resist mildew and require less care.
Removable or permanent pool fences?
Although aesthetically, they can be the least flattering; functionally a removable fence is very useful and practical. They can be easily removed and installed back in a breeze.
Its installation is very simple; they are lighter since they are usually made of mesh, net, or metal. Finally, they are an economical, resistant, and reliable option.
However, permanent pool fences are the safest, most durable, and of higher quality as they are designed to be outdoors and used under all weather conditions. As you would not have to remove them, they offer 24/7 protection. But they are more expensive, heavier, and not as easy to install.
Height
The height of the pool fence will play a major role in deciding which option a buyer chooses. You need to get a fence that’s at least 4 feet tall so it can keep up with a growing child. Besides, this is the recommendation by the US CPSC for pool safety.
Also, if you don’t get a pool barrier that’s at least 4 feet long, you’ll have to buy a new one every time your child gets older. This situation ends up being a waste of money and time. It is best to invest in the highest possible pool barrier in your price range.
Gates
Not all pool safety fences come with a gate, which is odd, considering you’re trying to keep the entire pool inaccessible to kids and pets. Most fence manufacturers advise pool owners to purchase gates separately but some models come with a gate. Talking about gates, self-closing and self-latching gates are the most preferred for a pool environment.
Conclusion
Swimming pools are an amazing source of comfort and enjoyment during the hot summer months. However, the probability of kids and pets drowning is high so you should not leave your installation unprotected for a long time if the pool is in a residential area. To prevent the risk of drowning, you must install a pool fence around your pool.
However, getting the best pool safety fence can be a daunting task considering the many models found on the market today. We’ve helped you cherry-pick the 10 best models on the market and we hope the buying Guide and other information provided will help you get the best one for your pool.